Utah Senate passes required daily pledge

Contributed

SALT LAKE CITY-- Utah junior high and high school students may be required to recite the Pledge of Allegiance daily.

Republican Sen. Aaron Osmond of South Jordan says students are becoming apathetic about the patriotic values emphasized by the pledge.

Osmond says Senate Bill 223 would require all students to recite the pledge every day instead of the once a week mandate for students outside of elementary school. Additionally, students would take turns leading the pledge in their classrooms.

Republican Sen. Howard Stephenson of Draper says students should be reminded once per year that reciting the pledge is voluntary and leading it is an honor. Students could refuse to say the pledge for religious or personal reasons.

The bill has passed the Senate unanimously Tuesday and now moves to the House.